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Pocono News Section
Veterans Honored with Parade for Armed Forces Day
Veterans Honored with Parade for Armed Forces Day - Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 8:38PM EST
Reported by: Eric Deabill
Saturday, May 17, 2008 @ 08:38pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Thousands of people filled the streets of downtown Scranton Saturday afternoon to honor veterans for the annual Armed Forces Veterans Parade.
With clear skies, hundreds of soldiers took to the streets. With the sound of bagpipes and marching bands, soldiers both past and present were honored for their service and sacrifice.
"This is to honor the vets that served before us and are currently serving and all the veterans, whether they be living or deceased," parade organizer Jeremy Burns said.
As always, there were motorcycles and military support vehicles in the parade.
"I think it's a great thing for the area. Where would we be without veterans? We're honoring all the service people today," parade committee member Joe Severini said.
Veterans from decades past, who couldn't walk the route, were able to ride in the parade and take part. Even National Guard troops who are just getting their orders to head overseas were in the Electric City.
"We're everyday folks, just doing our thing to support our country and actually in the guard's case, to support the commonwealth and state emergencies," CPT Karin Nyberg said.
Many people who lined the parade route have loved ones overseas.
"I love the fact that we're out here supporting our guys over there and letting them know that we care about them and are not forgetting them," Tiffany Sopko said. Sopko has a boyfriend serving in Afghanistan.
With flags waving and red, white and blue everywhere, even those not connected to the military knew the importance of Saturday's parade.
"It's just good to support the troops. They do what they can for us, so we should be out there to support them," Debra Leggieri of Scranton said. | | |
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